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Trumeau: Word of the Week

Ever wonder whether it's a Rococo or Regence? Louis XV or Louis Philippe? A Bergere or Fauteuil? Each week, we will highlight a word, term, or phrase to help identify antique furniture, periods, and styles.

TRUMEAU

tru·meau [troo-moh; French try-moh]
noun, plural tru·meaux [troo-mohz; French try-moh]
1. Architecture. the pillar or center post supporting the lintel in the middle of a doorway, especially in a church.
2. an overmantel treatment of 18th century France consisting of a pier glass surmounted by an oil painting or decorative often carved panel.
Origin: late 19th century < French: literally, 'calf of the leg'.


Detail of the portal of the Cathedrale Saint Sauveur, Aix en Provence.
 

From Portal to Parlor

In architecture, the French word trumeau originally referred to a highly sculpted and decorated vertical post or column set in the center of a grand portal — often in a church — supporting the lintel and tympanum. First appearing in the Middle Ages, these imposing structural elements carried both weight and symbolism, marking some of the most magnificent entrances in Gothic Europe. But by the early 18th century, the term trumeau had shifted in meaning — this time from stone to glass. That’s when France gave the world the trumeau mirror.

 


Rare French trumeau with gilded candle sconces mounted to the frame, Chateau de Villette: The Splendor of French Decor, published by Flammarion, photo by Bruno Ehrs.
 

Mirrors Fit for Royalty

Invented in France and made fashionable by the French aristocracy, trumeau mirrors were designed to hang between tall windows, filling a room with brillance. Because mirrored glass was an extravagant luxury in the 18th century, these tall rectangular mirrors became status symbols, flaunted by the the royals and aristocrats as much as enjoyed. Intricately carved frames — often painted, sometimes gilded — crowned with sculpted motifs or paintings, made them as decorative as they were functional.

 


Another rare French trumeau with gilded candle sconces mounted to the frame, Château de Villette.
 

Let There Be Light

Function was just as important as fashion. By day, trumeau mirrors bounced precious sunlight throughout a salon. By night, they reflected the glow of candlelight, whether flanked by sconces on the wall or fitted with gilded candle holders directly on the frame. Before the advent of trumeaux, mirrored glass was sometimes built into boiserie panels between windows — but the portable mirror changed the game. Now walls gleamed with light, elegance, and a distinctly French flair.

 


19th Century French Louis XVI Style Painted and Parcel Gilt Neoclassical Trumeau Mirror / Item #LOPH57  / Lolo French Antiques et More
 


19th Century French Louis XVI Style Painted Trumeau Mirror with Oil Painting / Item #LO3137 / Lolo French Antiques et More
 

Mirror, Mirror...

These mirrors haven’t lost their charm. The trumeau's large scale makes it a very versatile piece today — just as striking propped casually against a wall as it is presiding over a mantel. Whether painted, gilded, or crowned with a painting, each is a statement in French style. From Gothic portals to glittering salons, the trumeau has traveled far from its medieval origins — and it’s still stealing the spotlight centuries later. Mirror, mirror on the wall… what’s your favorite way to style a trumeau mirror? Let us know in the comments!

 

Á Bientôt!

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Mimi Montgomery

When this self-described Francophile is not reading or writing about all things French, she's dreaming up charming new ways to showcase Lolo French Antiques et More or traveling to France with Lolo to buy delightful treasures for their store. Mimi, Lolo, and their French Bulldog, Duke, live in Birmingham, AL.

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